Safe Uses of Quick Release Bicycles: Info from a Bike Service

Quick release wheels make it much easier for you to quickly remove the wheels of your bicycle without having to use any tools. This is especially beneficial if you regularly travel with a bike in your vehicle, or if you ever need to repair a flat bicycle tire.

However, it is important to make sure you understand how to safely and appropriately use the quick wheel release function. Improper usage could damage your bicycle, and potentially lead to unsafe handling or a wheel falling off while you’re biking, especially if you have not tightened the lever properly.

Here’s a quick look at how you can tell if you are using your quick release function properly while engaged in bicycle repair in Naples, FL:

• Open or closed: Most levers for quick release bikes should have the words “open” and “closed” printed on them. If the “open” lever is showing up, the wheel might not be properly fastened and could come off while you’re riding, even if the lever and wheel feel tight.
• Curves: The levers are typically curved. If the bend of that curve faces out like a bump, the lever will be closed. However, if it’s cupped, the lever is still open. You must flip the lever 180 degrees to tighten or loosen the lever, not spin it like a nut.
• Lever not flush: If the lever is not flush with the frame of the bicycle, this means it likely is not closed. Even if the wheel seems to be tight in place, if the lever is not closed all the way there’s a chance the wheel could come loose if you go over a bumpy stretch of road.

You should make all of these checks before you use your quick release bicycle anywhere.

Additional quick release tips

Now that you know how to tell if your quick release lever is open or closed during bike repair in Naples, FL, here are some additional tips that will help you get the best, safest use out of your quick release bike:

• Lubrication: Once a month or so, lubricate the quick release levers to make sure they continue to function properly. Dry levers might not close all the way, which can pose a safety hazard. You should also lubricate the area where the lever contacts bushings to keep the quick release function working properly.
• Tighten nuts: If there is a screw or nut holding the lever in place, check it every so often to make sure it is screwed in tightly. If not, get it snugly fit with a wrench or screwdriver to ensure it is tight.
• Unscrewed: If you ever unscrew the quick release feature to the point that it comes apart entirely, don’t worry—find the little springs and reinstall them with the narrow end in, then put the rest of the hardware back into place.

For more information about proper use of a quick release bike, contact our bicycle service in Naples, FL.

Categorised in: Bike Repair, Bike Service